Every Thursday morning, students from all year levels set off from the Cobram and District Specialist School ground under the guidance of teachers and support staff.
Principal Leah Willis said the Bicycle Education program, which the school runs as part of its Duke of Edinburgh award, is focused on getting students outside and teaching them to ride their bikes safely.
“Our goal is to get most of our children out on the road to ride a bike in the community safely. And that builds confidence for them.”
Year 12 school captain Xavier North is one of several students at the school to participate in its Duke of Edinburgh program.
“It definitely has helped me feel more comfortable on the road,” Mr North said.
Mr North recently completed a residential project at the HOOFS2010 brumby sanctuary in Berrigan over the school holidays.
Currently completing his Duke of Edinburgh gold level, Mr North must fulfil activities across a range of areas including community service, physical recreation, skills, and adventurous journeys.
The typical cycling route for the Bicycle Education program takes in much of Cobram’s town centre, although the group often makes the foray across the Murray River to Barooga and back.
Assistant principal and Duke of Edinburgh award leader Lisa Oliver said at least eight students are involved in the school’s Duke of Edinburgh program across its bronze, silver and gold levels.
“Across the three levels, they all have to complete the skills, fitness and volunteering,” Mrs Oliver said.
While learning guitar, cooking, and how to mosaic, students in the program also volunteer at Meals on Wheels and are responsible for operating the school’s own bin collection system.
Mrs Oliver said fourteen junior students are also completing the Compass Award, which gives students a taste of the Duke of Edinburgh.
To build their practical skills, senior students maintain the bikes as well as ride them.
“So, if they have a flat tyre... they’ll know how to change a tyre or put a chain back on,” Principal Willis said.
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